Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has sent Patrick Vieira a tongue-in-cheek SOS plea on behalf of Arsenal via Twitter.

The 35-year-old, who made 43 appearances for the Gunners after joining from United in 2008, called for Vieira’s return to the Emirates by messaging the legendary midfielder with an accompanying picture of an empty trophy cabinet.

‘Go back to London and give Arsene a hand bro ! #rolemodele #legend,’ Silvestre wrote to his fellow Frenchman.

Cheeky: Mikael Silvestre’s tweet to Vieira (Picture: Twitter)

Vieira is currently in a football development role at Manchester City, but is a leading contender to replace head of youth development Liam Brady at the Emirates.

His return would undoubtedly provide the Gunners with a welcome boost, but it’s the immediate future that needs addressing, and Silvestre’s tweet, which highlighted the seven-year trophy drought at the Emirates, is what will really be playing on fans’ minds.

Gunners legend: Patrick Vieira

The defender’s plea predictably didn’t go down with the Arsenal faithful, who still associate the Frenchman with strong United ties.

One Twitter user posted: ‘Thanks for all your help in addressing that during your time at the club Mikael, one of our worst signings ever.’

While another wrote: ‘For someone who was so bad when playing for Arsenal, you’ve really got some nerve posting that. Disrespectful fool.’